Arsenal banter 10

15 Sep 2025 20:14:31
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 4 - Quick Round Up

16 Sep 2025 07:00:05
Nice write-up Ed. Re: Villa, we are constantly being told how incredible Emery is as a manager, and his ability to take Villa from the pits under Gerrard to top 6 has been impressive. However, we Arsenal fans watched him for over 16 months here and over a period of 4 straight months had to watch some of the worst football I can remember as a Gooner. No plan, no belief, no effort by the end. Is he just unsuited to maintaining success at a bigger club? Perhaps his methods are too intense to sustain progress past the short-term?

{Ed001's Note - I don't think it is intensity, I think it is more about him struggling to work well with a recruitment team. He was unhappy with the summer transfers and so is not really using them, which leaves the team lacking threat. He just seems to throw his dummy.}

16 Sep 2025 12:11:40
You might have a point Ed as the Pepe debacle will always give me nightmares :)
However, I thought the whole point of bringing in Monchi was to fix this?

{Ed001's Note - yeah but psr is a major issue.}

15 Sep 2025 15:52:31
Popped round for the week's round up but looks like "someone" is slacking.

{Ed001's Note - it was up this morning mate. I had it finished in the early hours before going to bed.}

15 Sep 2025 17:23:10
I found it on Liverpool page. Seems like it wasn't posted here at all. I guess they were banned from the Arsenal page because of the hair flick jokes.

15 Sep 2025 18:42:15
Had to go find t on the United page as the pool page seemed to be down.

Ed001, how come it wasn't posted to the Arsenal page, mate?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know, it should have done. I have asked Ed33 about it mate. I got up early especially to post it for the morning autolink, so it should have done.}

15 Sep 2025 19:15:04
Good read though, mate. What are your honest thoughts on wirtz and kerkez? Still settling in? Haven't seen a great deal from them. Kerkez looks a bit of a liability.

It seemed you were a little harsh on the Arsenal, but really you're suggesting we should have done better than we did in the game. As Arsenal fans, I think most of us are just glad we played mostly on the front foot. The game against pool was dire.

{Ed001's Note - it was more about how bad everyone was this weekend. It was an awful weekend for football.}

15 Sep 2025 05:58:12
Morning trish

Just wondering what you think of the squad we have built now?

I think it's one of the best I've seen

How are you buddy?

{Ed001's Note - it is very good, particularly in defence, but you have no cover for Gyokeres at all, which is something you do need to look at, instead of buying another couple of centre-backs every summer. Also, you are at your best when youth players are involved, so I would like to see him make more use of the likes of Nwaneri rather than turning to Trossard when there are injuries. That Lewis-Skelly is better than Calafiori imo, so I would have started him, unless the plan is to keep them fresh for the UCL, in which case it is a big risk as they are not match sharp yet, so shouldn't be struggling for freshness.

I am good thanks mate. Though I am sleepy still, just got up to upload the weekend round up, so I will be going back to sleep soon! How are things with you and the family?}

15 Sep 2025 07:00:15
I'm OK buddy, the old man is the same evil disease

Have a good sleep speak soon.

15 Sep 2025 08:01:56
Valid point about our cf situation Ed. I've been thinking about Saka as a cf for a while, but especially now after seeing Madueke play so well on the right. Honestly i can't see why Saka couldn't become one of the best strikers around. He's the most well-rounded forward in the team and our best player. But of course this is just theoretical right now. Can't say whether it would actually work and would he be better as a rw still. Ultimately we want to play our players in their best positions for the majority of the time.

Left back is a mysterious position for us. Calafiori is a very fun player to watch, he ends up in all kinds of crazy positions. Lewis-Skelly seems to be more fixed to the midfield. Then there's Hincapié who i could see playing as a slightly more traditional overlapping full back, which i think suits Eze the best. Right now i'm thinking that over time Hincapié becomes the main lb, Calafiori migrates to cb and Lewis-Skelly migrates to cm (which will Ultimately eat up Merino's minutes) .

{Ed001's Note - Hincapie is not really a full-back. He is a centre-back who can play there, I am not convinced he is going to be a flying wing-back.

Reducing Merino's minutes would be a good thing, he is far too immobile for the Premier League. Shame because he is so good technically, but he is slow enough to fit in West Ham's midfield.}

15 Sep 2025 09:34:26
Difficult to argue with that Ed. Although Merino boosts his brand in Europe, he’s just not epl pace and was expensive but may be a decent option off the bench as he’s a bit like Platt in that ge knows where to be to score. I would have loved us to sign a striker as that’s a glaring hole and we don’t have a striker on the bench. Kai or Jesus don’t scream game changers or goals in big tight games although they probably have a role to play somewhere. I’m not a huge Cali fan but it’s another CB converted to a LB which Arteta loves and suits his style. I’ve given up on a Cole like LB bombing down the left wing. Strange it never releases the LW but hoping we can let Eze spend more time up front with a defence minded LB whereas Skelly has a mindset of a midfielder. I would have signed a young or an old striker to take pressure off Viktor but we had such a good window. Hopefully Kai, Jesus or Eze could fill the void in the short term.
Fancy us for a cup this year.

15 Sep 2025 10:16:03
Okay thanks for the insight on Hincapié Ed. I've only seen him in clips and in many of them he is playing lb, has good pace and seems to have a good left footed pass/ cross. So i thought he might be our slightly more defensively minded Tierney replacement. But what you can't evaluate from clips is whether he can run up and down repeatedly for 90 mins. Maybe that's where he falls short?

The thing that irks me with Merino is he was clearly signed as a squad player yet cost way too much. Look at Kepa and Norgaard. Those were bargains. I trust Berta to not repeat the mistakes of Edu.

15 Sep 2025 18:00:23
Evening all missed the gameon Saturday but seen the highlights. Personally I think we are finally at a stage where we can challenge on all fronts, for me in January we need to look at bringing another striker to protect Victor,

Our next two prem games will provide a more clearer picture, Man City are not fully at the races I don't think so we have a good chance and we generally stuggle with Newcastle away but it does not look good for newcastle at the moment.

Lets stay behind the team and the manager a lot of fun days ahead.

15 Sep 2025 20:17:17
Hi G4, I really enjoyed seeing our first goal come as a result of an Arsenal player taking a shot from distance and the second goal coming as result of a long direct ball over the top.

We all enjoy watching our easy on the eye intricate passing game when it leads to a brilliant team goal that takes our breath away, but adding a more direct approach to attacking options can only be a good thing that gives opposition managers a lot more to think about when trying to prepare their teams to play us.

14 Sep 2025 16:41:22
Just wanted to say R. I. P Ricky Hatton 🥊 shocking news only 46 years of age. great little fighter and a great guy outside the ring. one of englands true sporting icons.

14 Sep 2025 16:57:08
Rip Ricky.

15 Sep 2025 07:46:19
Absolutely endorse what you said Gabs.
Sad sad day for boxing
Take care Gabs.

14 Sep 2025 15:28:02
I thought I'd say hello on the Liverpool live chat
My posts won't go though

Oh well.

{Ed033's Note - The Liverpool live chat has changed. Only approved users can post now (it says this at the top of the live chat page).

14 Sep 2025 16:25:27
They do love a bit of fergie time don't they.

14 Sep 2025 16:56:20
Oh OK ed33, will be approved now?

{Ed033's Note - ok malaga-gooner approved.

13 Sep 2025 16:43:32
On Madueke:

We're about to sign him and I see that there was a lot of reaction around him.

"I spoke to him and he was like 'I go for it, I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys'.

"I said wow, let's bring him, if I was convinced before I'm even more convinced now that he's going to do it. "

Well played today and great attitude - hope you are our star of the season.

13 Sep 2025 18:05:05
He was very good today mate as was mossey is he the new saliba?

I thought Victor did good, 2 attempts hitting the bar and scoring

And well done to arteta for making the subs in a timely fashion

I thought mo had a good game and zui what a goal and performance

Well done boss for making those subs in a timely fashion

Great day all round.

13 Sep 2025 21:16:47
Really like Mosquera. Along with Timber ❤️🤍.

14 Sep 2025 07:58:02
Mornings sy, I can't remember how long it's been since we've had such a strong back 4.

14 Sep 2025 08:10:24
Mosquera was incredible. Couple of critical tackles but so cool in possession, progressive with his passing, and quite nimble feet too for a big man. Stellar signing.

We haven't had a player like Madueke in a long time, a really brilliant combination of aggression and directness. Might be a few more games before he and Gyokeres click, but the potential is there for a big partnership.

14 Sep 2025 08:53:48
Hi Mal -very true. You could even go a step further and say the back 4 and the back up back 4. The depth in defence is truly remarkable.

When Saka, Kai and Jesus are back we start having serious options up front - but like a Swiss Army penknife with different tools for different situations.

The squad is the strongest it’s been for decades - such a shame we didn’t get there a few years earlier but c'est la vie - I will just enjoy what we have in the moment. This really could be the year.

As you say though - the back 4 with options is the strongest I can remember and not out of place in the best GG or AW side. Think in years to come we will appreciate what we had. Just as I remember thinking that when we had TH14. Pires, DB10 and Freddy that this is special so enjoy.

Enjoy your Sunday bud.

14 Sep 2025 09:52:57
Agree totally sy

Didn't jesus play a little in the beginning just left of the forward line. Could he be an option for lw if he stays fit this season?

I don't know there are so many variants this season I'm getting confused lol.

13 Sep 2025 11:44:03
Hoping we put Forest to the sword today. No sideways/ back passes. Just want to see total intent to win. Would love to see Gyokeres get the service he deserves.

COYG.

13 Sep 2025 12:59:04
Let’s hope so 🤩.

13 Sep 2025 15:46:34
Job done on all counts! COYG.

13 Sep 2025 18:41:49
Absolutely Sus! They looked good out there today. Really liking that Mosquera lad; he's just so calm and composed.

14 Sep 2025 08:10:38
Morning Sharpie! Absolutely and when you consider Saliba, Saka, Odegaard and Rice missing from all or most of the games it bodes well for the season. Not only did we replace them dare I say they weren’t missed. Obviously they come back and quite rightly so. going to be a rollercoaster 🎢 COYG.

12 Sep 2025 21:27:40
Saliba back in training 💪 Let’s chop that forest down COYG.

13 Sep 2025 09:25:33
That’s great news although the new kid looks bloody great also - big win today and hopefully a few goals from Viktor ❤️🤍COYG.

13 Sep 2025 09:29:31
Looks like Lewis-Skelly is reacting well to falling behind Calafiori in starting 11. Cala has started very well and a more naturally defender and hugger of left wing. We really have some super options in defence and cover for injuries which we didn’t have a few seasons ago which is great and shows learning from mistakes. Interesting to see how LS and Ethan kick on this year.

12 Sep 2025 20:08:24
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Antoni Milambo

12 Sep 2025 13:12:28
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Joao Pedro

09 Sep 2025 21:20:53
Jamie Carragher says Viktor Gyokeres will be dropped when Kai Havertz returns from injury

WOW - that's scary as I'd hope Kai doesn't start ever because Viktor is the man.

That would be a disaster - we sign out striker and the non-striker who isn't clinical keeps him out.

Come on Viktor - keep plugging away. Not too many "easy games" for you to bed into the faster superior league.

10 Sep 2025 06:20:36
Carragher is a tool mate. Don't take him seriously. Even us Liverpool fans are annoyed with him and his statements. Absolutely no substance and his main role is to generate clicks.

10 Sep 2025 07:26:21
Sy you do listen and take certain information that suits that massive confirmation bias of yours. As far as I know Carralgees has never managed and ( great players) the other day Adams and Merson you were agreeing with - awful managers but what the feck they agree with you. Maybe some balance is needed COYG
PS It’s the international break and he’s had knee surgery but you managed to get the daily Kai kicking in - kudos to you 😀.

11 Sep 2025 16:57:56
Hi Sussex? Hope you and family are well.

what opinion is that supporting? I’m saying I’m hoping he gets up to speed quick as it’s City after Forrest.

Last time I checked - Adams was an Arsenal hero and knows about leadership than a lot of people including me. Carragher should know about strikers as he’s marked plenty and an Arsenal great put him on his arse. I could add Keane into the mix also.

I’m opinionated and enjoy debate mate - I’ve been riding Mikel’s xxx for 3 years as he’s a bottle job and I want more pressure put on him for the clubs best future. At long last these questions are being asked.

What’s closer to the truth - that or the Arteta’s right bollox people have posted over past 3 years? “We should be so grateful as we were rubbish before” or “remember when we signed Silvestre” Remember when Wenger actually had money to spend?

Well I remember the great Wenger teams and won't use the rubbish Wenger years as a yardstick for Arteta to fall short of: even though he won more being rubbish than we do at present. Yes FA CUPS - but ask an ex-pro if that FA CUP MEDAL matters? The answer is yes mate.

Yes that was a cheap Kai shot - I’m sorry. I wish we never signed him. I also post stuff that contradicts my opinion as I was out with an ex-epl player who thinks Kai is awesome. Clearly he was drunk.

Anyway - hope you are well and enjoying life to the full. I am and I’m very happy.

12 Sep 2025 21:13:00
Hi Sy hope you and yours are well too and wish your Dad well too. I’m off to Florida for two months on holibobs so all good here!
I am as bad as you in the confirmation bias stakes and probably get an irrational feeling when Arsenal are criticised! That includes MA and the players. Irks more from a Gooner. When on my computer my wife says ‘ you onto your girlfriend again’ . But I’ve loved Arsenal for twice as long as the current Mrs Sussex! As I say irrational. I’m a bit more relaxed maybe where Arsenal are concerned and more macro than micro managing. But where has that got me - I am obsessed with Arsenal know I can’t change it am overly protective so it’s the constant Kai kicking MA bottling and even the subtle second choice Viktor and Madueke digs that used to irritate but doesn’t anymore as the point has been laboured. Maybe listen to ex pros on both sides of the argument. Again I’m as bad as you I have a list as long as your arm of so called pundits I disagree with O’Hara too of the list. And remember when you criticise The Arsenal it’s like criticising Mrs Sussex and she doesn’t deserve that - well most of the time anyway. I’m sure I’ll disagree with 90% of what you say but that’s good and for two months I’ll be shaking my head in 30 degrees around the pool beer in hand readying for the golf course and The Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium v 49ers really appreciating we both want The Arsenal to win it all. How good would that be . Stay Happy and just read Saliba might play tomorrow COYG 🐊 ⛳️ 🏈.

13 Sep 2025 01:17:40
@sus-sex, hope your good mate, first things first hope you n yours have an amazing break away in Florida…sounds epic mate👍 got to say I’m jealous that your watching an NFL game…you a Bucs fan yourself? …nice game to watch against Mahomes n the chiefs, I’m a Saints fan myself (we’ve been not so great lately) but saving the pennys to try get over to the Superdome for a game. Soon hopefully 🤞🏻

Good luck n safe travels mate ⚜️😁👍.

13 Sep 2025 09:39:08
Hello Sussex, you and the missus have a fantastic time in Florida.
NFL is great to watch and i am a big fan of the Dolphins. Seen Nfl games over here but like Jegs would love to see a Nfl game over in them States. Did manage to see a NHL game in Vancouver once, amazing experience, the place was a madhouse.
Take care Sussex mate.

13 Sep 2025 10:25:23
Hi Sussex, all good and I know what you say about my posts. Irony is it’s the constant bollox positive posts when we aren’t winning that drive me mad as it’s as if we’ve accepted not being great or winning. Suddenly trying is ok or not hiding behind the sofa is ok. We were the great entertainers and winners - we shouldn’t forget that. However, I do agree with you. Ido post some positive stuff too.
US for a few months - amazing!
Hope weather is great and plenty golf. I’m poolside and trying to figure out how to watch the game later today as I’m hoping we put on a show. A statement by performance not necessary a huge score but how we play. Great news about Saliba - he’s a monster although Timber is my new guy. The whole back 4 are pretty amazing to be fair. Appreciate the back and forth as I e learned quite a bit from posters like you. Think it was you that made me think an a Keane type captain still be as effective with todays player. Funny as Keane was debating rubbish like thar with Wrighty. I too am obsessed with the club - how it’s run. It’s turnover, non football revenue (deloittes report) , the board set up, youth coming thru, tactics, speed of addressing issues. Unfortunately I’m like that with work and I just want to be the best. Hate losing more than I love winning because as soon as I win, it’s over and I want to win again.
Anyway - thanks for asking about my dad. He’s up and down but still smiles when he sees me but on plenty meds. It’s cruel and family around him are amazing.
Get some decent sun, beer and golf - keep smiling and keep giving me rubbish.

Glad you are well.

13 Sep 2025 15:44:16
Oh Jegooner a Saints fan! My son is as well and his wife a Jaguars fan so I have had bragging rights for ages now and let them have it! Dolphins Bill? Only two teams in Florida Bucs and Bucs reserves. Am very lucky to have been able to have done the Orlando Magic (Bubba Watson on courtside) and Rays baseball - a tough sport to watch and Orlando City and Players Golf.
Great result today - was working so haven`t seen and way to turn a fan base round Noni, could be a very shrewd buy. Mosquera played well too apparently and we still have Hincapie in reserve. Four games in and only a worldie past Raya.
I will reply more Sy - the number of times I`ve written a reply to you and deleted it because my old Mum said If you`ve nothing nice to say don`t say it. My Dad also said Empty Vessels Make Most Noise but I`m not aiming that at you Sy - well not this time anyway lol COYG.